El Cerrito prides itself on being a progressive and diverse community, with a City Council that reflects a commitment to inclusion across racial, cultural, generational, and LGBTQ+ demographics. However, this commitment is not mirrored in the city’s leadership, advisory boards, or other appointed representatives, highlighting a critical gap in alignment with the city’s values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
To truly embody DEI, El Cerrito must extend the inclusivity seen in its City Council to all levels of leadership, including city leadership committees and advisory boards. These bodies play a pivotal role in shaping policies and ensuring equitable governance, and their composition must reflect the diversity of the community they serve.
Aligning El Cerrito Leadership with DEI
El Cerrito’s commitment to DEI must go beyond its elected officials. By improving diversity in its administrative and advisory leadership, the city can:
- Broaden Perspectives: Diverse leadership ensures a more comprehensive understanding of community needs.
- Foster Community Trust: Representation across all levels of governance builds confidence and engagement among residents.
- Enhance Decision-Making: Including voices from different backgrounds leads to innovative, well-rounded solutions.
To achieve this, the city must prioritize inclusive recruitment practices, transparency, and community engagement in filling leadership and advisory roles.
The 2025 City Council: A Model of Representation
El Cerrito’s City Council exemplifies diversity and inclusion:
- Mayor Carolyn Wysinger
- Email: cwysinger@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- Mayor Wysinger is the first Black lesbian mayor in California and a leader in advocating for equity and inclusion.
- Councilmember Gabriel Quinto
- Email: gquinto@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- Councilmember Quinto is Asian, an openly gay man who has been instrumental in advancing LGBTQ+ representation and awareness in local government.
- Councilmember Rebecca Saltzman
- Email: rsaltzman@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- Councilmember Saltzman, a lesbian mom and former BART board member, brings expertise in urban planning.
- Councilmember William Ktsanes
- Email: wktsanes@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- A single gay dad and professor, Councilmember Ktsanes offers financial insight and a unique perspective as an LGBTQ+ leader.
- Councilmember Lisa Motoyama
- Email: lmotoyama@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- Councilmember Motoyama is Asian, focusing on environmental sustainability and affordable housing as part of her commitment to inclusivity and livability.
This council reflects a range of demographics, including racial, generational, and LGBTQ+ representation, proving that leadership diversity is achievable and beneficial.
Steps to Address the Gap in Representation
El Cerrito can improve diversity in its appointed roles by:
Recruitment Outreach: Expanding efforts to recruit appointees from underrepresented groups through community partnerships and outreach.
Transparent Appointment Processes: Publicizing vacancies and selection criteria to ensure fair access to advisory roles.
Equity Training for Appointers: Training those responsible for appointments to recognize and mitigate biases in selection.
Youth and Community Engagement: Creating pathways for young people and marginalized groups to participate in advisory roles.
Regular Reporting: Sharing demographic data of advisory boards to track progress and hold the city accountable for improving diversity.
Contact the City Council
To advocate for improved diversity in city leadership and advisory roles, reach out to the council:
- Mayor Carolyn Wysinger: cwysinger@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- Councilmember Gabriel Quinto: gquinto@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- Councilmember Rebecca Saltzman: rsaltzman@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- Councilmember William Ktsanes: wktsanes@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
- Councilmember Lisa Motoyama: lmotoyama@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
By addressing disparities in advisory roles and city administration, El Cerrito can ensure that its leadership reflects the vibrant and diverse community it serves.
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El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 